Industry News

Passive House Days | World's Most Efficient Buildings Open to Public Across Canada

Victoria, November 7, 2019 — Passive House buildings across Canada will open their doors to the public during Passive House Days, taking place from November 8-10, 2019, for the 16th year in a row. This annual event provides a unique opportunity to explore and experience the benefits of the world’s most energy-efficient buildings.

Passive House Canada is pleased to celebrate Passive House Days, as part of this International event. Residents and visitors are invited to discover first-hand what a Passive House building is and have exclusive access to many homes and buildings that are not usually open to the public.

“Building standards around the world are increasing to meet climate change goals while offering residents increased affordability, comfort and health. Passive House buildings meet the most stringent performance requirements in the world and therefore offer an exemplary level of comfort and health to occupants. This event is a wonderful opportunity to learn about how such buildings are designed and built.” said Rob Bernhardt, CEO of Passive House Canada.

About Passive House Buildings:

Passive House (Passivhaus) is considered the most rigorous voluntary energy-based standard in the design and construction industry today. Passive House (Passivhaus) buildings consume up to 90 percent less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings. Applicable to almost any building type or design, the Passive House high-performance building standard is the only internationally recognized, proven, science-based energy standard in construction.

The benefits of employing Passive House standards include fine-tuned control over indoor air quality and temperature with simple to use and durable systems, making them extremely quiet and comfortable throughout the changing seasons. The reductions in operating costs quickly make up any additional costs associated with construction, and the reduced carbon emissions provide priceless peace of mind.

About Passive House Canada:

Passive House Canada (PHC) is a national non-profit professional association advocating for the Passive House high-performance building standard. PHC facilitates the adoption of the Passive House Standard through advocacy work, a national education program, and nation-wide events.

In support of Island Health and front-line healthcare staff, working tirelessly to keep our communities safe from COVID-19, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has put a call out to their membership for donations of new, unopened N95 masks, sanitizer solution and wipes, or other personal protection equipment suitable for their work.

In the wake of recent announcements from federal and provincial health officials surrounding COVID-19, we would like to provide you with an update on the actions we, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) is taking in response to the direction set out by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO).

Safety is always a priority in construction and managing the risk of COVID-19 should be no exception. We strongly encourage employers to provide common-sense advice about the simple actions employees are expected to take to reduce the risk.

An update on Gaoshi Holdings’ (Canada) proposed Powell River Airport development was presented at the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, February 18. The committee approved sending to Council a Development Permit (DP) to facilitate construction of the first phase of a mixed-use aviation park.

VICA, along with members Hazelwood Construction Group, Scotiabank, Canwest Mechanical, and Pinchin, will be attending ABM Indigenous: Vancouver Island again this year. The event is held in partnership with the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation at the Songhees Innovation Centre in Victoria from March 16 to 18.

Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is requesting information from interested parties for construction and environmental remediation services necessary to re-establish fish passage in the Fraser River in response to the Big Bar Landslide.

As part of its ongoing efforts to address bullying, hazing, and harassment on B.C. construction worksites, the BCCA is marking National Construction Day with the beta launch of a new Builders Code Crew Training App.

In an effort to encourage and boost innovation within the industry, Canadian Construction Association (CCA) and Canadian Construction Innovations (CCI) are delighted to announce an exclusive partnership with Invennt Business Inc. to offer the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) credit writing services to the industry.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is moving forward with detailed engineering on solutions to improve safety and capacity for visitors at Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park, while protecting the environmental, social and cultural values associated with the park.

A mortgage investment corporation (MIC) launched by the BCCA aims to make securing a mortgage easier for B.C.’s skilled tradespeople, medical care providers, educators, and emergency responders, while at the same time provide the growing impact investment market with a tax-free vehicle that supports housing affordability.

This is not a tender call or an invitation to bid. The City of Nanaimo (the City) plans to commence procurement for construction of a new fire station located at the intersection of Fitzwilliam Street and Milton Street in Nanaimo.

The BC Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes (BC Codes) are based substantially on the model Codes Canada Publications. Changes to the Codes Canada Publications are typically adopted into the BC Codes. The Public Review is set to close at 4:00 p.m. EST on December 23, 2019.

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